Demonstrating trucks voice discontent against the administration of Legault
In Quebec, A Convoy of Truckers Arrive to Protest Against the Legault Government
Hitting the roads of Quebec on Wednesday, a fleet of disgruntled truckers made their way to the heart of the province, rallying against the current government's liberalization of the bulk trucking sector. They allege that this move creates an avenue for "collusion" and "corruption."
For over two decades, the Quebec government has overseen the bulk trucking sector. However, the Association nationale des camionneurs artisans inc. (ANCAI) asserts that the government finds loopholes in its own regulations, thereby encouraging unregulated and financially unfavorable bulk transport.
Gaetan Legaré, the general director of ANCAI, voiced his concern in an interview with La Presse Canadienne, stating, "When the government fails to enforce its own regulations, it allows entrepreneurs to hire whoever they want."
Legaré stresses the importance of preserving this framework to secure contracts for local truckers. "Consider a hospital under construction in Baie-Comeau. What if it's not the local truckers working, but truckers from outside or a large entrepreneur handling all the work? Well, we lose all the local economic benefits for our regions," he explains.
Legaré also expresses concerns about malpractices, echoing the sentiments of the Charbonneau Commission, which identified the bulk trucking sector as a hotbed for corruption and money laundering.
As the afternoon passed, a handful of protesters could be seen congregated near the National Assembly, with a line of trucks parked along the René-Lévesque Boulevard. A convoy of truckers hailing from various regions of Quebec traversed the Capitale-Nationale on Wednesday as well.
The protesters emphasize that their objective is not to "take Quebec city hostage."
Despite making representations to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Legaré claims he has not received a favorable response. "That's why we're appealing to Mr. Legault to intervene," he says.
Primarily used on construction sites for the transportation of materials such as sand, gravel, or earth, bulk trucking can also be enlisted during natural disasters.
While the online search yields limited information about the current bulk trucking debate in Quebec and the Legault government, it sheds light on Quebec's stance on infrastructure projects and environmental concerns. In March 2025, the Quebec government expressed support for a cross-country pipeline network, contingent upon it being socially acceptable[2]. This reflective of broader discussions about energy infrastructure in Canada.
Additionally, the Port of Montreal, a significant hub in Quebec, is prioritizing sustainable development, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and community engagement[4]. These efforts towards environmental sustainability serve as a broader theme in Quebec. If the controversy revolves around environmental or infrastructure issues, these developments may be relevant. However, without specific details on bulk trucking, it is challenging to offer a precise assessment.
- Due to concerns about corruption and collusion within the bulk trucking sector, truckers organized a protest against the Legault government, aiming to preserve local transport industry jobs and contracts.
- In light of the convoy's request for intervention from the Legault government, the financial aspect of fair transportation seems to be a significant point of contention in the general news, as the industry worries about unfavorable bulk transport due to government regulation loopholes.
- As the controversy unfolds, the debate over bulk trucking in Quebec also intertwines with broader discussions within politics, finance, and even the environment, widening the scope of interest to not only industry stakeholders but also those involved in energy infrastructure, sustainable development, and community engagement.
